At the word "pearl barley" the male part of the population of our immense homeland recalls the unforgettable years spent in the army. It is not known what associations arise in the beautiful half of humanity when they hear this word, but, presumably, are also "pleasant."
In general, pearl barley was probably the most popular dish in Russia. The beneficial properties of pearl barley have a beneficial effect on many generations of Russian miraculous heroes. It owes its name to the unique gray tint of freshly prepared porridge, which makes it look like pearls. The word "mother of pearl" has the same root.
Barley is made from barley, in other words, it is barley, only without a shell. Unfortunately, this grain is steadily losing popularity and the number of admirers in our country. Rice and pasta almost completely replaced it from the menu of side dishes of restaurants and cafes. Honestly, few people cook it at home. What is the use of pearl barley? There are many answers to this question.
Meet barley - useful properties:
First of all, it should be noted the fact that it contains a number of vitamins that are necessary to maintain normal human activity. Most of it contains vitamins A, B, C, E, not so much as in fruits and vegetables, but also quite enough. But even that is not the point. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, the absence of which in the human body can lead to sad consequences, are abundant in barley. It is the barley that is the supplier of these useful elements and it quickly compensates for their losses. Its useful properties are not limited to this. Carbohydrates in it 63%, protein - 10%. This is an energy bomb - an indispensable thing for those who are engaged in heavy physical labor. That is why heroes grow on pearl barley.
It is remarkable that barley does not lose its beneficial properties as easily as other cereals. In order to better preserve the nutrients in pearl barley, it is recommended to soak it the night before cooking. The grains swell with water, their structure becomes loose. Much less time will be required for cooking porridge, which means that the prepared porridge will keep the whole spectrum of substances that have a beneficial effect on health and are not destroyed by cooking for many hours. By the way, many fans of raw food diet consume swollen grain without cooking it, so that only natural substances that are not “spoiled” by the effects of heat treatment enter the body.
Some nutritionists claim that pearl barley contains biologically active trace elements that can counteract germs. These elements are especially effective in the fight against the causative agents of colds. But not only with them. Phosphorus-containing substances that are part of grains have a beneficial effect on the skin, rejuvenate it, smooth wrinkles, destroy and prevent the penetration of dangerous viruses into the skin.
For an aging organism, barley is especially useful. Its beneficial properties help to heal a number of diseases. People over 60 simply need to have barley porridge in their weekly diet. It speeds up the metabolic process, improves blood circulation, has a beneficial effect on the entire cardiovascular system. People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases should use barley for breakfast and dinner. It is perfectly absorbed even by those who suffer from stomach and intestinal ulcers. Cleanses the body of toxins, heals an ulcer, drowns out bleeding. Barley is also recommended for hemorrhoids, cystitis and inflammation of the prostate gland. This is not a complete list of all the diseases that simple barley porridge helps to cure. And pearl barley has excellent preventive properties, so if you do not want to get sick, go to pearl barley.